How To Choose

Why choose a Registered Clinical Counsellor?

Every person who receives the ‘RCC’ counselling designation in British Columbia has met specific educational and training criteria required by the BCACC. What’s more, our RCC members have not only met the academic, clinical competence and professional requirements, they have voluntarily committed themselves to practice according to an ethical code of conduct and standards of practice.

Education & Experience

BC’s Registered Clinical Counsellors have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a variety of areas such as psychology or social work. Many have additional training in their specific area of practice. They have also satisfied the BCACC’s clinical supervision requirements that are criteria of membership.

Ethics & Peace of Mind

Every RCC member is accountable for ethical practices under our standards of practice and code of ethics, and every member must have a clean criminal record check. This offers peace of mind for members of the public looking to feel secure when they enter into a professional counselling relationship.

General Affordability

If you want a counselling option that is reasonably affordable, and if you want an option that may be covered by an extended health plan – then choosing a counsellor with the RCC designation is a safe and reassuring decision.

Choosing a Counsellor

Here are a few things to consider.

The counsellor’s level of education and training

If they are willing to have a preliminary phone screening or brief interview with you

If they practice under a code of ethics that is available for you to read

How long have they been in practice

Their availability relative to your schedule

Those recommended by a friend or colleague

If they offer phone support or crisis intervention between sessions

Their hourly fee

Check that the RCC designation is covered under your extended health plan

If there is a complaints process through their professional association

If they have had formal complaints filed against them

Finally, listen to your intuition when you conduct your interview and trust your first impressions.

If you would like to find a Registered Clinical Counsellor in your area, please proceed to our search tool.